This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2013, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.

As a solution to Medicaid and an excuse to prevent Medicaid expansion, Rep. Michael Kennedy, R-Alpine, who is also a family medical doctor, told his fellow legislators in the Utah House of Representatives:

"So what if I was assigned by my faith as a doctor to contribute four hours a week to charity care? What if the 3,000 doctors in the state were willing to do that?" ("Utah lawmakers back charity care instead of Medicaid expansion," Tribune, March 12).

Is the current lack of a church directive keeping qualified doctors and nurses from donating their time and skills? No. Those who want to donate, donate. There is nothing from keeping Kennedy from jumping in to volunteer for medical work right now.

Obviously, if most people were willing and able to voluntarily donate, they would, and Medicaid would not be necessary. They don't; it is.